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Posts in forums of the site "Zyanya" - Beware of DragonsSun, 07 Jun 2020 07:17:32 +0000http://zyanya.wikidot.com/forum/t-136531#post-407425Monster Suggestion: Hope Maggothttp://zyanya.wikidot.com/forum/t-136531/monster-suggestion:hope-maggot#post-407425
Sat, 07 Mar 2009 22:12:51 +0000realityglitch207468Paladin Hurin didn't understand the cause of his mates depression. He had assumed it was what she was blaming it on; the fact he was away from home all the time, that she missed him, that she was trapped in a loveless relationship with him. He blamed himself, but couldn't find it in him to give up his duty to his god or his people. By the time the truth was uncovered, it was soon enough to be able to save the child the woman carried within her, but not to save his beloved.

A hope maggot notices and locates living creatures within 60 feet, just as if it possessed the blindsight ability. It also has an idea of their Cha score, being able to differentiate between "Weak" (9 or below), "Average" 10-12 Cha, "Strong" (13-16 Cha) and "Very Strong" (18+ Cha) personalities, always favouring the strongest.

Attach:

A hope maggot may automatically attach itself to a helpless target, or one unaware of it's prescence, on the material plane. It then exists on the material plane, but still counts as ethereal for the purposes of being detected, etc. The target does not feel or notice this, even once they begin to experience symptoms of the Sap Hope ability, unless they associate such symptoms with their knowledge of a Hope Maggot. A hope maggot will not detach from it's victim for any reason except the target's death, which makes them easy to destroy once they are discovered and the right spells or tools are available.

Sap Hope (Su)

Once attached to a target, a Hope Maggot begins to slowly drain the part of their soul and force of being that gives them their drive to interact with the world around them. A being afflicted by a hope maggot remains unaware of it, and at first begins to experience feelings of resentment, sadness, disappointment and melacholy, seeing the darker side of life in everything that occurs and in the people around them, and in the later stages, this feelings gradually morph into depression, withdrawel, hopelessness, and a feeling of emptyness. In the final stages of the hope maggot's attack, the target withdraws completely: still concious and alive, but unwilling to do much beyond the basics of survival, seldom speaking or engaging with anyone, seeing little reason to, as they no longer gain joy or fulfillment from any activity. When their Cha score reaches zero, they die: this is an exception to the normal rule of a person merely falling into a coma when their Cha score reaches zero. As their very soul has been damaged by this process, they cannot be revived by any means sort of a True Ressurection.

While the targets Cha score is 13 or over, a hope maggot will inflict 1 point of Cha damage a week. Between 9 and 12, this increase to 1d4-1 points of Cha damage a week, and the subject rapidly spirals into depression. When the targets cha score is 8 or lower, this increases further to 1d6, and once the target has been reduced to 4 cha or lower through this attack, it is too late to save them, even if the Hope Maggot is subsequently removed or destroyed: the target will then die in 1d4 days, but in that time they will feel happy for the first time in weeks or months, and seem like a subdued but content version of their old self.

If a hope maggot's victim is killed through some other means before it has fully drained them, it detaches and moves off in search of another target. Once a hope maggot has killed enough victims to have damaged 18 points of cha in total, it divides into two new hope maggots, which will venture off seperately to destroy more lives.

Rare:

Hope Maggots are exceptionally rare, and noone is sure where they came from. Only a few people have encountered and destroyed them, and so all Knowledge checks made concerning them are at +20 DC.

You alter a person’s magical aura so that they register to detect spells (and spells with similar capabilities) as though they were not under the effects of any spells or magic items, or under the effect of a magic item of a kind you specify, or the subject of a spell you specify.

The spell fools Detect Magic and similar divinations, but if the person under the effect of a personal magic aura is looked upon by someone under the effects of Arcane Sight or is similarly examined, the examiner recognizes that the aura is false and detects the actual qualities of whatever aura(s) the person posesses if he succeeds on a Will save. Otherwise, he believes the aura and no amount of testing reveals what the true magic is. The personal magic aura does not fool certain powerful divinations.

If the targeted person’s own natural aura is exceptionally powerful (if they are a powerful magical being or Outsider, for instance), or if they are under the effect of especially strong magic, magic aura doesn’t work.

Note: The spell only alters the aura that spells currently active on the targeted person give off, and not the behaviour of such spells, so a person who is clearly flying around under the effects of a Fly spell but who doesn't give off any magic aura won't fool anybody.

Focus A small square of tanned pig's skin that must be applied to the being that receives the aura. —-

Tried to keep as close to the original spell description as possible. If it's too powerful, feel free to knock me over the head.

Forum category: Wednesday Game Discussion / Main - Out of Character ForumForum thread: Chanda's Store
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http://zyanya.wikidot.com/forum/t-134928#post-401342New spell suggestion: Necromantic mental vesselhttp://zyanya.wikidot.com/forum/t-134928/new-spell-suggestion:necromantic-mental-vessel#post-401342
Mon, 02 Mar 2009 10:52:12 +0000realityglitch207468
One problem with the current writeup is you could potentially use it to control the bodies of extremely powerful creatures like dragons and stuff, which is not what I intend. As a spell, I'm envisioning its utility would be more geared towards spying and performing tasks that the caster doesn't want to risk himself doing, rather then some super powerful spell that someone can use to turn dead dragons into their personal mecha, but the problem is I can't think of a way to word it that specifically prohibits this. Making the spell target humanoid corpses only, perhaps? Putting a limit on the hit dice it can control? What kind of limit? Also, if you could put out any other way the spell could be exploited, I'd appreciate it.

I also think it needs a more costly Material component, or perhaps even an exp cost, to make it balanced. Suggestions are again welcome.

You create a link between yourself and one corpse, putting it under your control and enabling it to move and speak as you desire. The corpse must be no more then two days old, and must have been "prepared" with unholy water, silver dust worth at least 25gp, and have certain sigils and runes etched into it's body. You must remain in a meditative trance to maintain this control, during which time you are completely unaware of your surroundings and are considered Helpless. You are peripherally aware of any physical trauma or motion that your body is subjected to during this time, and can elect to Dismiss the spell and end the effect before the duration expires at any time you desire. The link has effectively unlimited range, can cross planar boundaries, and when the effect ends, either though the corpse being destroyed, the effect being dismissed, or the duration of the spell expiring, the corpse collapses to the ground. The same corpse cannot be used in this spell twice, even if it survived the first casting relatively unscathed.

The corpse you are controlling cannot be healed by any means, and retains any visible damage or physical trauma it had in life. For this reason, unblemished corpses that died through natural causes, or effects such as poison, are preferable. The corpse cannot be more then two days old, and even then, creatures with the Scent ability will be able to smell the "scent of death" around the body, and unintelligent animals with the scent ability will have a base stance of Hostile towards it: dogs will bark at it, cattle will attempt to get as far away from it as possible, and no horse will allow the corpse to ride it. The link covers sight and hearing, assuming the corpse possessed such senses, but not the sense of touch: neither the corpse nor the controller will experience pain, and if the controller isn't careful the corpse can even accrue wounds without the controller realising it, which people may treat with suspicion.

The corpse you are controlling is treated as Undead for the purposes of certain special attacks (though it does not increase it's hit dice to d12's), and can be turned or rebuked as normal; being turned or rebuked also stuns you through the mental link, and renders you unable to dismiss the effect during this time. A turning attempt that would normally destroy the targetted creature instead ejects your controlling conciousness, causes you 1d8 of damage from traumatic mental feedback per level that the character has in the class that grants it the ability to turn you, and leaves you stunned for one round thereafter. You may make a Will save at DC 10+ the level of the turning character for half damage and to negate the stun effect. A turning attempt that would normally Control the targetted creature will in fact effectively dominate you as long as the mental link is maintained, though you may make a Will save at DC 10+ the level of the turning character after 10 rounds in order to be able to Dismiss the effect. If you fail this initial save, you may make a new Will save every hour to be able to dismiss the effect.

You can call on rudimentary or instinctive knowledge of the subject creature, but not upon its acquired or learned knowledge (such as skills and feats it possesses). You will not be able to call upon your own spells or powers while controlling the body.

* You gain the type of your assumed body. * You gain the Strength, Dexterity, and Constitution scores of your assumed body. * You gain the natural armor, natural attacks, movement, and other simple physical characteristics of your assumed body. * You gain the extraordinary special attacks and qualities of your assumed body, but you do not gain supernatural or spell-like abilities. * You gain the possessions and equipment of your assumed body. * You retain your own hit points, saving throws (possibly modified by new ability scores), class abilities, supernatural abilities, and skills and feats (although skill checks use your new ability scores, and you may be temporarily unable to use feats whose requirements you do not meet in your new body).

Supernatural abilities that require a certain body part may be unavailable in your new form.

This spell also has another use, in which it is cast on a body that is placed within a Magic Circle (of any kind), and any spell such as Gate or Planar Ally that is cast to call a creature into that circle is altered so that it is instead an invitation for the extraplanar creature to inhabit the corpse, rather then simply materialise in it's natural form. The effect is then only dismissable by the original caster. This is useful for summoners who wish to stymy a particularly powerful entity by forcing it into a weak body, or alternatively, for casters who wish to gain favour with the summoned creature by providing it with a powerful vessel in which to do it's work.

Material Component: A flask of Unholy water, 25gp of silver dust, and a fresh corpse that must have certain sigils etched onto it's flesh.

Forum category: The World / MagicForum thread: New spell suggestion: Necromantic mental vessel
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http://zyanya.wikidot.com/forum/t-124740#post-399017Re: In the pirate's holdhttp://zyanya.wikidot.com/forum/t-124740/in-the-pirate-s-hold#post-399017
Fri, 27 Feb 2009 20:20:24 +0000realityglitch207468
I'd like to swop bags with Flint, if he's amenable. I know he needs it for tools and other heavy stuff, but my Type I bag of holding can probably fit everything he needs, and is about 10 pounds lighter for his little gnomish frame, and I could do with the extra storage offered by a Type II. Forum category: Wednesday Game Discussion / Main - Out of Character ForumForum thread: In the pirate's hold
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http://zyanya.wikidot.com/forum/t-133266#post-395629Proposed changes to Ruby Knight Vindicatorhttp://zyanya.wikidot.com/forum/t-133266/proposed-changes-to-ruby-knight-vindicator#post-395629
Tue, 24 Feb 2009 20:30:33 +0000Scylfing247653
With the change to the Paladin class to give it martial powers, this opens up a range of possible ToB prestige classes, though for the one I'm specifically interested in (Ruby Knight Vindicator) the flavor doesn't match the setting or especially the deity I have in mind. So I'd like to ask if the following would be allowed as adaptations of the RKV, or rather the:

Gray Knight Adjudicator

Within the Spears of the Owl, the Paladin order dedicated to Athena is a special sect of her holy warriors, the Gray Knight Adjudicators. While the Spears typically attend to the more militant duties of the faith, the Gray Knights serve as investigators seeking out and nullifying (through negotiation or precise application of force) potential threats to the temple or the city before the Spears or the army at large has to get involved. In that sense they are the vanguard of the Gray-Eyed Goddess' followers, though their roles often require less overt methods. Gray Knights are afforded much discretion within the faith as their necessary functions often place them in situations outside the temple's reach or experience, though this comes with a great deal of responsibility as their actions can have wide-ranging repercussions and they must still live up to Athena's standards of mental, ethical and moral fitness.

Entry Requirements:

Alignment: Must be Lawful Good. Deity: Must worship Athena and be in good standing with the Temple and the Spears of the Owl. Skills: Bluff 4 ranks, Diplomacy 4 ranks, Intimidate 4 ranks, Knowledge (Religion) 8 ranks. Martial maneuvers: Must know at least one Devoted Spirit maneuver. Martial stances: Must know at least one Devoted Spirit stance. Special: Must be able to Turn Undead.

Everything else the same as RKV except the level 5 class feature "Armored Stealth" doesn't feel like it fits (and I dumped Hide and Shadow Hand) but I'm not sure what to replace it with. Armor Check Penalties don't apply to conversation or mental skills after all.

Dispel magic v saving throw…I think the saving throw will have a slightly better chance of the item surviving.

Forum category: The World / MagicForum thread: Proposed Spell
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http://zyanya.wikidot.com/forum/t-132891#post-395241Re: Proposed Spellhttp://zyanya.wikidot.com/forum/t-132891/proposed-spell#post-395241
Tue, 24 Feb 2009 14:15:00 +0000Zyanya55194
What I'm essentially creating is a version of shatter that works on magical items. Forum category: The World / MagicForum thread: Proposed Spell
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http://zyanya.wikidot.com/forum/t-132891#post-394746Re: Proposed Spellhttp://zyanya.wikidot.com/forum/t-132891/proposed-spell#post-394746
Tue, 24 Feb 2009 00:47:23 +0000realityglitch207468
Shatter totally already does this, doesn't it? Automatically hits, with a will save on part of the object? Is the difference with this that you can destroy magic objects, too?

Otherwise I have no objection to the spell, but think it should automatically fail against all magical staffs >_>

Used as an area attack, shatter destroys nonmagical objects of crystal, glass, ceramic, or porcelain. All such objects within a 5-foot radius of the point of origin are smashed into dozens of pieces by the spell. Objects weighing more than 1 pound per your level are not affected, but all other objects of the appropriate composition are shattered.

Alternatively, you can target shatter against a single solid object, regardless of composition, weighing up to 10 pounds per caster level. Targeted against a crystalline creature (of any weight), shatter deals 1d6 points of sonic damage per caster level (maximum 10d6), with a Fortitude save for half damage. Arcane Material Component

A chip of mica.

Forum category: The World / MagicForum thread: Proposed Spell
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http://zyanya.wikidot.com/forum/t-132891#post-394677Re: Proposed Spellhttp://zyanya.wikidot.com/forum/t-132891/proposed-spell#post-394677
Mon, 23 Feb 2009 23:43:51 +0000quentan66670
Parts of this, mechanically, are not working for me. For attended items, there's a bit of a mismatch between what you're targetting (an object) and what you're rolling to hit against (the person holding it)

If you're targetting an object that's attended, a ranged touch attack vs. its holder does not seem the right way to go. You're essentially performing a sunder with such an attack, and should use the same mechanic. That is, a plain ranged attack is too easy for the effect granted, esp. with no saving throw.

From the SRD (ignore the part about AoOs, if you're out of the defender's reach):

You don’t use an opposed attack roll to damage a carried or worn object. Instead, just make an attack roll against the object’s AC. A carried or worn object’s AC is equal to 10 + its size modifier + the Dexterity modifier of the carrying or wearing character. Attacking a carried or worn object provokes an attack of opportunity just as attacking a held object does. To attempt to snatch away an item worn by a defender rather than damage it, see Disarm. You can’t sunder armor worn by another character.

For magic items, I also don't like having to dig up the item saving throws … those rules are clunky at best. I might suggest something akin to a dispel magic check, and if you succeed on that, then the damage goes through.

This spell deals 1d8 per caster level of force damage to one object. If the object is attended, the caster must make a ranged touch attack against the one holding the object to target the object. Magical items get a saving throw bonus of 2+half caster level to make a fortitude save for half damage.

Forum category: The World / MagicForum thread: Proposed Spell
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http://zyanya.wikidot.com/forum/t-132565#post-392989Re: Treasure 2-21-09http://zyanya.wikidot.com/forum/t-132565/treasure-2-21-09#post-392989
Sun, 22 Feb 2009 17:45:37 +0000seismosump84424
Although, if there are any unclaimed weapons or breastplates left over Nuala would like to look into to equipping her new lads. Forum category: Saturday Game / Out of Character ForumForum thread: Treasure 2-21-09
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http://zyanya.wikidot.com/forum/t-132565#post-392974Re: Treasure 2-21-09http://zyanya.wikidot.com/forum/t-132565/treasure-2-21-09#post-392974
Sun, 22 Feb 2009 17:27:44 +0000seismosump84424
Nuala is already equipped to her liking, besides which, it seems like you guys could really use better stuff. She'll take a share of the coin, though. Forum category: Saturday Game / Out of Character ForumForum thread: Treasure 2-21-09
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http://zyanya.wikidot.com/forum/t-132620#post-392824Aftermathhttp://zyanya.wikidot.com/forum/t-132620/aftermath#post-392824
Sun, 22 Feb 2009 14:33:51 +0000Zyanya55194
Glaucon and Diomeden will have stablized at -7 and -9 respectfully.

Kambei died from a single knife wound to the back of the neck (a critical + sneak attack damage) that it seems likely he never even saw coming. Frithrik took a dagger to the shoulder for 11 points of damage, leaving him nearly dead as well.

I mistook the math, and the guy who was blind would actually have ended up dead. So you have a held rogue and a held fighter as prisoners. Maksim knocked out the held fighter.

Forum category: Saturday Game / Out of Character ForumForum thread: Aftermath
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http://zyanya.wikidot.com/forum/t-132565#post-392822Re: Treasure 2-21-09http://zyanya.wikidot.com/forum/t-132565/treasure-2-21-09#post-392822
Sun, 22 Feb 2009 14:27:37 +0000Zyanya55194
Phrixus will want a breastplate, and Sunan a longsword. Byrun may also ask for a longsword. Forum category: Saturday Game / Out of Character ForumForum thread: Treasure 2-21-09
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http://zyanya.wikidot.com/forum/t-132565#post-392613Re: Treasure 2-21-09http://zyanya.wikidot.com/forum/t-132565/treasure-2-21-09#post-392613
Sun, 22 Feb 2009 07:19:24 +0000Scylfing247653
Only after things have calmed down will Ariadne ask for a mithral breastplate she'll part with her own breastplate +1 in exchange if there are more than 5 people who want one as mithral is of better use to her even if it's not enchanted. [Edit: her player forgot that her magical breastplate is an heirloom, so she never made that offer, though she'd still prefer to use a mithral one if it's available.]

She also asks if part of the split of the gold (her own part if need be) may go to pay for funeral rites for Kambei according to his culture and a message sent to his next of kin in Tatsuo.

Forum category: Saturday Game / Out of Character ForumForum thread: Treasure 2-21-09
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http://zyanya.wikidot.com/forum/t-40854#post-391278Re: Skill pointshttp://zyanya.wikidot.com/forum/t-40854/skill-points#post-391278
Fri, 20 Feb 2009 18:03:52 +0000Zyanya55194
Go ahead and add the skill points now, as I don't recall if I told you about them already.

Yes, those will still apply. Monster Lore is more monster mythology and customs than 'how to kill monsters', which is covered more by the dungeoneering knowledge. I allow for overlap though.

I divided knowledge undead and knowledge religion due mainly to how many different religions and stuff there are. Figured it was too much for one skill to cover.

Forum category: General Discussion / Suggestions and Game Mechanic DiscussionsForum thread: Skill points
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http://zyanya.wikidot.com/forum/t-40854#post-390724Re: Skill pointshttp://zyanya.wikidot.com/forum/t-40854/skill-points#post-390724
Fri, 20 Feb 2009 04:22:36 +0000Scylfing247653
Oh dear, I didn't notice this either re: the monster Knowledge skills. Considering not insignificant part of Ariadne's build involves the Knowledge Devotion feat, which plays off of the Knowledge skills' applications to creature types in order to get attack bonuses against them, I'm wondering if that will still apply.

Or did we already discuss this when I asked you about that feat when I was making her?

(Read: While noone else is using it, might as well let a skeleton carry it. Ill relinquish it if someone who isn't cannon fodder fancies carrying it. Or once we get back to our hireling NPCs and one of them could use it.)

Forum category: Wednesday Game Discussion / Main - Out of Character ForumForum thread: In the pirate's hold
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http://zyanya.wikidot.com/forum/t-129956#post-385837Re: Coming Soon to an Arena Near Youhttp://zyanya.wikidot.com/forum/t-129956/coming-soon-to-an-arena-near-you#post-385837
Sun, 15 Feb 2009 18:11:57 +0000Scylfing247653
Heh, well not for a little while at least, I'm still very much in the initial planning stage but you can start posting build ideas and sheets as soon as you want. In fact I would kind of like to see in advance what you'll be bringing before I design the first sets of challenges after all, since gladiatorial matches are supposed to be evenly and fittingly matched to give a better show. Forum category: Alternate Games / Play by PostForum thread: Coming Soon to an Arena Near You
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http://zyanya.wikidot.com/forum/t-124740#post-385754Re: In the pirate's holdhttp://zyanya.wikidot.com/forum/t-124740/in-the-pirate-s-hold#post-385754
Sun, 15 Feb 2009 15:46:56 +0000quentan66670
Sure, scrolls and the pearl are yours.

The shield is medium-sized, I don't think you'll be able to use it.

I'd like to keep the Rope of Climbing unattached to any one particular character, as that is useful for just about anyone and might be better stored in a neutral place.

Forum category: Wednesday Game Discussion / Main - Out of Character ForumForum thread: In the pirate's hold
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http://zyanya.wikidot.com/forum/t-129956#post-385308Re: Coming Soon to an Arena Near Youhttp://zyanya.wikidot.com/forum/t-129956/coming-soon-to-an-arena-near-you#post-385308
Sat, 14 Feb 2009 22:58:45 +0000Zyanya55194
I've got a swordsage build I'd like to play with. Forum category: Alternate Games / Play by PostForum thread: Coming Soon to an Arena Near You
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http://zyanya.wikidot.com/forum/t-129956#post-385223Re: Coming Soon to an Arena Near Youhttp://zyanya.wikidot.com/forum/t-129956/coming-soon-to-an-arena-near-you#post-385223
Sat, 14 Feb 2009 21:08:02 +0000realityglitch207468
Aright. I have the beginnings of a character idea. Tell me when you're at the stage where you'd like sheets :) Forum category: Alternate Games / Play by PostForum thread: Coming Soon to an Arena Near You
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http://zyanya.wikidot.com/forum/t-124740#post-385221Re: In the pirate's holdhttp://zyanya.wikidot.com/forum/t-124740/in-the-pirate-s-hold#post-385221
Sat, 14 Feb 2009 21:05:47 +0000realityglitch207468
Mar'Solla would like the blue pearl pendant on gold chain (the pearl of power), and will happily take that silvery blue silk rope of climbing, the lacquered bronzewood shield, and carved ivory scroll case with tiger's eye caps if noone else wants them. Forum category: Wednesday Game Discussion / Main - Out of Character ForumForum thread: In the pirate's hold
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http://zyanya.wikidot.com/forum/t-124571#post-384304Re: Courtesy of Samadhttp://zyanya.wikidot.com/forum/t-124571/courtesy-of-samad#post-384304
Fri, 13 Feb 2009 17:27:01 +0000seismosump84424
Very well. Forum category: Wednesday Game Discussion / Main - Out of Character ForumForum thread: Courtesy of Samad
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http://zyanya.wikidot.com/forum/t-124740#post-384301Re: In the pirate's holdhttp://zyanya.wikidot.com/forum/t-124740/in-the-pirate-s-hold#post-384301
Fri, 13 Feb 2009 17:25:42 +0000seismosump84424
Ash will request the quartz tipped lemonwood wand of daylight. Forum category: Wednesday Game Discussion / Main - Out of Character ForumForum thread: In the pirate's hold
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http://zyanya.wikidot.com/forum/t-129956#post-383832Re: Coming Soon to an Arena Near Youhttp://zyanya.wikidot.com/forum/t-129956/coming-soon-to-an-arena-near-you#post-383832
Fri, 13 Feb 2009 04:41:04 +0000Scylfing247653
Both! ;)

But yeah, mostly arena, with the PCs all from the same school so you'll get to work toward a common goal that way (yes I know, in reality Roman gladiators almost always fought gladiators they trained with in their own school, but this makes it more interesting, and by interesting I mean deadly.)

The behind-the-scenes stuff I expect to compliment the combat situations: I want to leave an avenue open for someone who wants to play a healer/supporter or a spy, but if everyone goes that route you'll basically be relying on the NPC fighters in your school to do all the heavy lifting and that might not be a good idea.

Forum category: Alternate Games / Play by PostForum thread: Coming Soon to an Arena Near You
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http://zyanya.wikidot.com/forum/t-129956#post-383810Re: Coming Soon to an Arena Near Youhttp://zyanya.wikidot.com/forum/t-129956/coming-soon-to-an-arena-near-you#post-383810
Fri, 13 Feb 2009 04:06:04 +0000realityglitch207468
Very interesting indeed!

So is it primarily going to be an arena fight game, or are you going to have some overriding plot or quest that involves lots of interaction behind the scenes?

Forum category: Alternate Games / Play by PostForum thread: Coming Soon to an Arena Near You
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http://zyanya.wikidot.com/forum/t-124571#post-383410Re: Courtesy of Samadhttp://zyanya.wikidot.com/forum/t-124571/courtesy-of-samad#post-383410
Thu, 12 Feb 2009 19:55:20 +0000quentan66670
Flint hands the scrolls and bedroll over. He says that there is other stuff still in the bag, namely, a bunch of his gear that's too heavy to carry (like tools for fixing Jilik, and other contraptions), as well as what's left of the pirate loot. If Ashling doesn't mind, he'd like to hang on to the bag for now. Forum category: Wednesday Game Discussion / Main - Out of Character ForumForum thread: Courtesy of Samad
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http://zyanya.wikidot.com/forum/t-129956#post-383398Coming Soon to an Arena Near Youhttp://zyanya.wikidot.com/forum/t-129956/coming-soon-to-an-arena-near-you#post-383398
Thu, 12 Feb 2009 19:37:18 +0000Scylfing247653
Greetings all.

An idea recently got into my head that I should like to run a little side-story game based heavily upon gladiatorial arena competition (the research for my character in the Saturday game was no small bit of inspiration for this idea). So with the blessings of our fair Administrator/GM/Evil Overlord, I’m opening up discussion on whether there might be interest in this sort of thing as an alternate game in the Zyanya campaign world.

A couple of initial caveats: this would be chiefly a play-by-post game for two reasons, the biggest being scheduling. My work schedule really sucks, so there’s virtually no way for me to run a regular live session, but I do have time during the day to read and write posts, and you might catch me at those times on AIM to do in-character conversations—I’d actually prefer that to keep it organized, real-time and open to other people jumping in. The other reason is, well, I’m still really weak on my Maptool-fu so it’d be a bad idea for me to try to force that right now with everything else that’s going on. Besides, for an Arena game it’s probably not going to be needed beyond making a static map of the stadium floor, at least not right away.

So I’m thinking this would largely be a cinematic game, with the format allowing players to make heavy use of description when taking and resolving actions, to try to capture in words what’s really happening in the fight. It would still be 3.5 D&D though, not a narrative based system or free form, so descriptiveness will follow the dice and the mechanics but I’d like to keep all that as detached from the actual play as possible to make for a more immersive game.

The basics of the game are that your character, for whatever reason is appropriate to him or her, is attached to one of the gladiatorial schools at the Great Tarchon Coliseum in Makarios. You might not be an active fighter (though I’d like a few of these at least for the overall cinematic theme of the game), but you should have something to contribute behind the scenes like healing your school’s fighters or procuring things for them, or spying on and sabotaging your rivals. Whatever it is it should be enough to have let you survive in this kind of dangerous place: the Emperor has declared the “fixing” or “throwing” of matches to be illegal and punishable by torture, which has increased the lethality of fights considerably and put everyone there on edge.

Characters would start at level 5, LA buyoff is okay—in fact use all house rules per the campaign world. I won’t require more than the Ten Minute Background but you’re certainly free to write more. Builds using Tome of Battle are especially encouraged. I have a couple of ideas on how treasure and equipment will be acquired: one is basically “to the victor go the spoils” where the winner(s) get to claim some or all of the loser(s)’ gear, and the other is that your school takes in prize money based on how well you all do, and you each receive a cut of it to spend as you will. I’ll probably use both of these to some extent.

So what do you think, does this sound interesting at all?

Forum category: Alternate Games / Play by PostForum thread: Coming Soon to an Arena Near You
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http://zyanya.wikidot.com/forum/t-124571#post-383357Re: Courtesy of Samadhttp://zyanya.wikidot.com/forum/t-124571/courtesy-of-samad#post-383357
Thu, 12 Feb 2009 18:52:15 +0000seismosump84424
In that case, Ashling requests what's left: the bag, the scrolls and the bedroll. Forum category: Wednesday Game Discussion / Main - Out of Character ForumForum thread: Courtesy of Samad
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http://zyanya.wikidot.com/forum/t-124571#post-383295Re: Courtesy of Samadhttp://zyanya.wikidot.com/forum/t-124571/courtesy-of-samad#post-383295
Thu, 12 Feb 2009 17:44:44 +0000realityglitch207468
You attach it to a weapon, and then if you hit an invisible person with the weapon, it suppresses the invisibility for one round.

If Jilik had been using it last battle, we probably could have killed that assassin rather then have him escape : / Curses.

Forum category: Wednesday Game Discussion / Main - Out of Character ForumForum thread: Courtesy of Samad
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http://zyanya.wikidot.com/forum/t-124571#post-383260Re: Courtesy of Samadhttp://zyanya.wikidot.com/forum/t-124571/courtesy-of-samad#post-383260
Thu, 12 Feb 2009 17:03:06 +0000quentan66670
As no one else has showed an interest as of yet, Flint will hand over the wand and lifekeeping crystal to Mar'Solla.

I'll have to look up the Revelation Crystal, not sure what that does yet.

Forum category: Wednesday Game Discussion / Main - Out of Character ForumForum thread: Courtesy of Samad
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http://zyanya.wikidot.com/forum/t-124571#post-382861Re: Courtesy of Samadhttp://zyanya.wikidot.com/forum/t-124571/courtesy-of-samad#post-382861
Thu, 12 Feb 2009 06:33:43 +0000realityglitch207468
At some point during the next day, Mar'Solla will request the pulsating glyph etched moonstone (Crystal of lifekeeping, lesser) and the luminous crystal wand set with a moonstone (Eternal wand – Detect Undead)

Though I already have two items, so it's all gravy. Seems like we might as well put the Crystal to work, and only one or two people other then me could use the wand, so.

Jilik or someone should probably take the Revelation Crystal, that would have made the last fight a bit easier.

Forum category: Wednesday Game Discussion / Main - Out of Character ForumForum thread: Courtesy of Samad
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http://zyanya.wikidot.com/forum/t-126546#post-380349Re: Outside game RPhttp://zyanya.wikidot.com/forum/t-126546/outside-game-rp#post-380349
Mon, 09 Feb 2009 19:56:43 +0000Zyanya55194
If you are in a large town, finding black onyx falls under the purview of bookkeeping. Paying the local hunter would require some interaction. Forum category: General Discussion / GeneralForum thread: Outside game RP
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http://zyanya.wikidot.com/forum/t-126546#post-379908Re: Outside game RPhttp://zyanya.wikidot.com/forum/t-126546/outside-game-rp#post-379908
Mon, 09 Feb 2009 12:37:10 +0000realityglitch207468
Wow, sounds busy. Jobseeking is made of evil. Hope your life becomes pleasantly less frantic soon :)

Does acquiring more black onyx gems fall under the purview of bookkeeping, or potentially larger interaction? What about quietly paying a local hunter to shoot down and bring me the corpse of an eagle?

I recently heard the terrible news regarding Kazi's parents, and on behalf of the Cryptic Crafts Consortium we would like to send our condolences. That's a terrible loss. If you need anything from us, don't hesitate to ask.

We are faring well down south. Our quest has brought to us new friends from several new lifestyles & regions. Aben has formally made me the leader of the CCC, and we have gained a good ally in Shieldmeet: a knight of Athena, along with a full retinue of her guards/students. Ashling has procured us passage to Vasant to visit a potential ally there who may be able to unravel some of this prophecy business.

Dima has awoken again! He was attacked recently and the spirit in him either let go of him, or was destroyed. Dima is back to his old self again, but it appears he's gained some magical talent. For now he will stay at the manor until, at least, he can come to terms with his new state.

Feliks, I bet you would like this part especially: we have a boat now! On our way to Vasant, we managed to liberate a pirate vessel! It's a fine caravel with a half dozen cannons, and its all ours! We've named it the Devil's Tail, and once I have some time to make some improvements, we could be the most feared ship on the seas! I've agreed to be the Captain (for now), but it's no secret that I'm new to this sailing business. I'm learning quickly though thanks to a seasoned crew of converted pirates and other talent.

There is so much more to say but I must keep it brief… Oh how I wished you could be sailing with us.

Take Care,

-Flint

Forum category: Wednesday Game Discussion / Character JournalsForum thread: Flint's logbook
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http://zyanya.wikidot.com/forum/t-126546#post-376559Outside game RPhttp://zyanya.wikidot.com/forum/t-126546/outside-game-rp#post-376559
Thu, 05 Feb 2009 17:29:55 +0000Zyanya55194
Right now, I've got a lot going on between school, job hunting, and the Baby from Hades. I know in the past I've normally been available for game stuff via IM, but that's got to change right now. I don't have the time to keep track of the stuff in IMs and add it to my notes.

I'm sorry all, but right now, the rule is 'if it didn't happen during the game, it didn't happen'.

Exception - If you want to make a quick post to the forums of 'while we were in town, Mumbletygidget restocked his healer's kit', kind of bookkeeping stuff, that's fine.

Bigger stuff that would require a lot of interaction (especially things the other PCs would take note of and react to) like 'Mumbletygidget hired a craftsman to make a gold plated codpiece, went to the post office and had a telegram sent telling the Queen of Worden that she had a big ass, and then wandered over to the town gates to moon passerbys' is forbidden

The rest of the gems/precious items were sold in Vasant. Mar'Solla, Flint, Eari, Ashling, Muken and Sev earned 1275gp each.

That leaves the trade goods and magic items.

All food remained on the ships.

Forum category: Wednesday Game Discussion / Main - Out of Character ForumForum thread: In the pirate's hold
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http://zyanya.wikidot.com/forum/t-57300#post-375793Putting things together (finally)http://zyanya.wikidot.com/forum/t-57300/ashling-s-musings#post-375793
Wed, 04 Feb 2009 21:53:30 +0000seismosump84424
I have been thinking about things as I worked on the taint-absorbing sachets these past two days at sea. I hadn’t realized it at the time, and even when I noticed how unusually pleased Una was by him, it didn’t become clear to me until I sat down and scrabbled all the pieces together. I now believe Lalinlor was the one who activated the Primal artifact. And it is likely that Tomas was the sacrifice. I must admit to being rather disappointed in myself for not figuring this out sooner. I had all the evidence for days: the feeling of anger in the council district, Nabidon’s description of the effect Zahirah had on people and animals, Una’s reaction to him (let alone my own), and Lalinlor’s own behavior when he abruptly left us in Sclavini. He was once part of our group and knew as much about the artifacts as we did – no, it is clear he knew much more and kept that knowledge to himself so that he could obtain the power of the artifacts for himself. The question now is: does he have allies and if so, who are they? Could he be allied with Lord Adamo and Zoriada? It doesn’t seem as though Zahirah is with him – yet. I sigh heavily as I write this; overcoming those who hold it and destroying the artifact seems an impossible task, particularly when we have yet to learn how the artifact can be destroyed. Well, we can only push on and do what we can.

Am fear a thèid a ghnàth a-mach le lìon, gheibh e eòin air uairibh.*

These thoughts have distracted me from my plan of speaking with Eari, which I should do before we reach Ishana. Then, once I finish the taint sachets for everyone I will take time to study the scrolls.

Forum category: Wednesday Game Discussion / Character JournalsForum thread: Ashling's Musings
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http://zyanya.wikidot.com/forum/t-57300#post-375786Bound for Vasanthttp://zyanya.wikidot.com/forum/t-57300/ashling-s-musings#post-375786
Wed, 04 Feb 2009 21:46:29 +0000seismosump84424
So, after all, I am on a ship for Vasant while Rayner heads north. I am still not convinced that this is best. How are things affected when we act based on Aletha’s visions? Does knowing (or thinking we know) the outcome mean that it cannot be changed? I think overall I would prefer not to have these little glimpses into the future. The self-doubt is bad enough without adding in the worry of acting in a way that adversely affects the foreseen events.

On the brighter side, we have new allies: a former archbishop of Samad, named Virgil, and a half-fiend follower of Kalki, called Eari. I would feel less concerned about the half-fiend aspect if I knew a little more about her patron goddess, but all I have discovered is that kalki is a goddess of time, eternity and purification who is said to be a force of good. I do consider this a hopeful sign that Eari will prove to be a more dedicated and trustworthy companion than the others who have joined us since we returned from Sclavini, but that remains to be seen. Virgil is too old and frail to come on this journey, though it seems he has left his church in order to aid us; he brought Eari and some church items that I am sure will prove useful. Eari also carries a set of documents called the Scrolls of Nysa which detail the coming apocalypse in a manner similar to the text Jerath translated for us. These scrolls seem more complete and more detailed, however; they will require much study. For starters, I must ask her what she knows about Nysa – it must be the same Nysa who Dathatlo studied and who gave Zahirah her powers.

Forum category: Wednesday Game Discussion / Character JournalsForum thread: Ashling's Musings
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http://zyanya.wikidot.com/forum/t-57300#post-374874Missing Boyhttp://zyanya.wikidot.com/forum/t-57300/ashling-s-musings#post-374874
Tue, 03 Feb 2009 23:48:23 +0000seismosump84424
I am not particularly in the mood to write in here today, but I will do it anyway, just so I can record some events while they are fresh in my mind.

During the night I rose periodically to check on Dima and refresh the poultice for his fever. Rayner never slept at all, as far as I know, and at one point when I tried to tell him of what Dima had said regarding the seer he suddenly declared that he would be heading north in a week; Aletha had said he should. I said I would go with him and he nodded his agreement. I did not wish to press him for details at that time and let him go back to his thoughts.

In the morning I nearly stayed to watch over Dima, but instead decided to leave him to Rayner and join those going to investigate the strange feeling the sparrow had reported to me near the healer’s guild. I would not have left Dima but for the fact that he seemed to be improving. Although his fever had not yet broken he was quieter and when I looked to see if he was tainted I saw that the taint was diminishing right before my eyes. To my knowledge this is the opposite of how taint behaves in a host. I can only guess that Evaric has something to do with it.

I feel I must comment on the odd reversal of opinion exhibited by everyone in regards to me leaving the compound. Just a week ago all were adamant that as Zoriada wanted me I should not leave without heavy guard, yet today no one batted an eye as I headed out with just three companions. Not long ago they seemed to feel no confidence in our ability to set up an ambush for Zoriada with me for bait, and then today it was as though they had completely forgotten about her. Even Rayner showed no concern and offered to stay behind to watch Dima for me. I hardly knew what to say; it rather increased my misgivings but there seemed little point in arguing with their newfound confidence.

At the healer’s guild we found that Tomas had vanished the day before as he was headed to visit his patron Lalinlor prior to the strange event. Once we had learned all we could from the healers, we went to see Lalinlor in his new official position as Lord representative of Itotia. I have to admit, I found him much more likable than the last time we had met; he was sincere, open and friendly – attractive, even. I had to forcibly remind myself of my suspicions regarding him and his affinity for undead – suspicions I had made clear to Ariadne only moments before we entered Lalinlor’s house. He had little to add about Tomas’s disappearance and all we could do was offer whatever assistance we could to help find him – though I myself have no idea where to look for him.

We might have stayed to chat much longer had Lalinlor not told us the dire news: Kazi’s parents had been killed by assassins. I felt so terrible (and still do). Poor Kazi! And then the danger this might represent to Darus and the artifact! I suppose I acted rather rudely but I was extremely anxious to see Sir Leandros and assure myself that the Dragon Knights were acting on this threat. So, we abruptly left Lalinlor’s and hurried to the elven embassy.

Sir Leandros told us that Kazi’s parents were not the true targets. They believe the assassins wanted to kill the King of Worden who was delayed in reaching the peace talks. Lord Adamo and Sorina may have been involved in the attack, in which case, one possible motive could be a simple bid for the throne, but it could also be that Adamo did not want the peace talks to go forward as that would free the Amareth army to attend to other things. One odd thing Sir Leandros mentioned was that all the dragons have taken wing and are headed east; even the elves do not know why. I told him of Zahirah’s appearance and that she may have been looking for Tomas but was beaten to him by someone else. I told him also of Dima’s condition and asked if he knew anything about the man Devdas in Vasant. He could only tell us that Devdas is a minor Rajah in Ishana with territory near Vibishana, however, he offered us passage to Ishana on a trading vessel and gave us two scrolls of teleport to aid in our investigations. He also said he would send word if Jerath went to any of his friends in the elven lands. This offer comforted me more than I expected.

Dima awoke not long after I had relieved Rayner and sent him to rest. Well, to be brief, Evaric has left him and Dima remembers nothing. He does, however, now possess some kind of magical ability that he, as yet, has little control over. It appears he has become a sorceror. To be honest, I miss Evaric – not only for his knowledge but, well, I do not know how to put it. Dima knows me not at all now and it makes me a little sad. Of course, it is good that Dima is himself again, but still I would have liked to know Evaric a little more.

After some discussion I think I managed to put Flint off the idea of rushing to Itotia. There are many reasons why I feel it is a bad idea to go there, not least of which is that we have much more solid leads in the form of Evaric’s contact Devdas and the instructions Aletha left for Rayner. But of course Flint had to go running to talk to Rayner. What was so urgent that he could not have waited until Rayner had the chance to get some rest? Flint is often thoughtless like that. I have spent the rest of the day occupying myself on the grounds. It is warm enough that I think I will stay out here tonight.

Forum category: Wednesday Game Discussion / Character JournalsForum thread: Ashling's Musings
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http://zyanya.wikidot.com/forum/t-119053#post-372938The First Week: Settling Inhttp://zyanya.wikidot.com/forum/t-119053/the-education-of-ariadne-dikaian#post-372938
Mon, 02 Feb 2009 05:27:19 +0000Scylfing247653
Praise to the Owl of Wisdom, may her ever-watchful gaze be upon us in our time of need.

It has been a week since Kalla, my students and I arrived at Aben’s manor, and already I know that this was the right decision. That isn’t to say there haven’t been problems—Oh Goddess has there been problems—but this place, this mission these people here are on is a crux far greater than mere training of a few young men and women. I can feel its weight in my bones, my Celestial blood cries out in indignation against every atrocity I have been told of committed by these cults. I believe this is the true reason Athena led me to this island.

To that end, I’ve used what little time I have had in between all my other duties to go over every bit of information they have given me (I have a feeling there’s something I’m missing) and I think I see why Shieldmeet itself is important to this. There are at least two sorts of ritualistic murders being committed here—revenge killings targeted at a certain Lord or Lords (this is something they already know, the Lord who sponsored them did so for a reason, and his rival seems to figure deeply in this), and the other seemingly random people. Yet each one of these was targeted specifically at something particular about them, to mock and destroy something that made them special, and each of these ironic murders has been of a different ethnic stock or a male and a female of the same nationality. Where else but Shieldmeet would this be possible?

Unfortunately I’m currently at a loss for how best to apply this theory, especially since both Aben and the leaders of the guild have already left the island on missions of their own. I’m not sure how wise it is to divide our resources across the known world, but they have their own reasons and if the excursion to Vasant (I cannot believe they are going there with a half-fiend, servant of a goddess of purity or no) will yield an ally that can help deal with Dima’s situation, then it may be worth the trouble.

Dima, now there is an interesting problem—that was the young man who had fought a powerful cult leader nearly to his death only to be mysteriously healed at the manor, oh and now he’s a powerful sorcerer with no memory of the past year. I’m told this was all the work of a ghost who had possessed him. (And this isn’t even the only ghost we’re dealing with here!) I asked Kalla to look into this but his powers are beyond her, so before he left Aben said he’d arrange for a diviner to come to the house soon. For now I’ve asked Dima’s friend Maksim, a rather intense youth who has the makings for a serious warrior someday, to look after him and report to me if his magic starts going out of control or he misuses it. Maksim’s a fine young man, though his friend Leonti the stable-hand is another story—he is extremely over-anxious for fighting, which is the exactly wrong attitude to have. I had to embarrass him by knocking him face-first into the dirt a few times, but I think it made him even more eager to prove himself so I told him he wouldn’t be trained until he can satisfactorily tell me why he should fight.

Most of the others are fine—Byrun and Jinan have been helpful to me in getting to know the place and the people better, I can tell the former was relieved to have someone else take up the defense planning, and the latter, well he’s a hopeless flirt but he’s at least decent about it and I think he just wants to be loved. I already have a great deal of respect for Sunan and Virote, virtually every member of their culture I’ve met has impressed me and I must visit Tatsuo someday to see just what it is that makes them so courteous and yet so driven and serious. Jilik is incredible, truly the gnomes must be favored by Athena to have crafted such remarkable beings as these Warforged, though alas he and Flint departed before I could learn much more about them but there will be another time. I haven’t gotten to know the girls very well either, but I wish to have some more time with Katja, she has the loveliest natural singing voice I’ve heard in ages (and made me think what might have been had I stayed on my mother’s path—despite all I’ve gained since coming into my heritage, what did I lose?) Her songs of Sclavini have so much raw emotion, I wonder if they don’t have a trace of the Dionysian in them.

Phrixus though, [here a phrase is blotted out]. What is it with Ertheurtha that makes its citizens such dogs when they’re away from their homeland? I’ve been there, I know that they’re a disciplined if terse race, but get them out from under the yoke of their laws and they revert to barbarism! I’d ask Kalla to humiliate him like she did with Marchus to bring him in line, but I’m wary of what he’d do to her and he’d maybe even give me a bloody nose before I’d bring him to his knees. I’ve long since grown accustomed to the manners of men, it’s all a part of life (even if it’s still a few years until I’m permitted to engage in that life), but he’s been way out of line and my barbs haven’t phased him so I will have to punish him soon. I’ll try not to permanently damage him.

But I’ve wasted enough thought on that as it is. Although most of my energy has gone to improving the situation here I had hoped to be of assistance to those searching for the missing boy. He seems to be important to these cults because of his unnatural power, but it has been hard to get away from here, I’ve barely even had time for the temple, let alone all the other places and people who’ve been part of my life on the island. Once things have settled into routine—and if my plan works as intended—I want to look into this matter again soon.

We’re going to reopen the tavern to the public next week, so in preparation for the big day I’ve had Frithik trim any branches that extend over the outer walls, reinforce the storeroom and cistern down below and install lamps along the pathway from the gate and at each door. I’ve given instructions for where the non-combatants are to go in case of emergency (if any assassin tries to pursue them into the nursery they’ll be in for a serious shock) and I’ve established the guard shifts:

Every hour each person in the group is to check in with the next person up the line (or at the back of the line) and relieve them of their post, rotating from the house to the grounds to the gate, and each group is on for eight hours. I had wanted to have Jilik and Rayner for Group 3, I’m concerned it may be too green, but they’re not around so I suspect I’ll be at my most active during the third watch.

I pray that it’s enough.

Forum category: Wednesday Game Discussion / Character JournalsForum thread: The Education of Ariadne Dikaian
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http://zyanya.wikidot.com/forum/t-124571#post-371439Re: Courtesy of Samadhttp://zyanya.wikidot.com/forum/t-124571/courtesy-of-samad#post-371439
Sat, 31 Jan 2009 01:12:56 +0000Zyanya55194
Muahahahaha. Whatever furthers the story line. Forum category: Wednesday Game Discussion / Main - Out of Character ForumForum thread: Courtesy of Samad
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http://zyanya.wikidot.com/forum/t-124740#post-371352Re: In the pirate's holdhttp://zyanya.wikidot.com/forum/t-124740/in-the-pirate-s-hold#post-371352
Fri, 30 Jan 2009 22:42:12 +0000realityglitch207468
Oooh. Alright, certainly :) Forum category: Wednesday Game Discussion / Main - Out of Character ForumForum thread: In the pirate's hold
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http://zyanya.wikidot.com/forum/t-124571#post-371314Re: Courtesy of Samadhttp://zyanya.wikidot.com/forum/t-124571/courtesy-of-samad#post-371314
Fri, 30 Jan 2009 22:00:43 +0000silverelf64656
I think J gets some sort of strange kick out of making my new characters associates of or direct servants of stinky Samad. ;) Forum category: Wednesday Game Discussion / Main - Out of Character ForumForum thread: Courtesy of Samad
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http://zyanya.wikidot.com/forum/t-124740#post-371244Re: In the pirate's holdhttp://zyanya.wikidot.com/forum/t-124740/in-the-pirate-s-hold#post-371244
Fri, 30 Jan 2009 20:42:54 +0000silverelf64656
Perhaps we need to handle this situation in session. I do not believe Eäri or Ashling would stand by whilst Mar'Solla was stuffing bodies into the Bag of Holding without making comment or taking action. And I do not believe convincing her otherwise would be "gentle" in Eäri's case. Forum category: Wednesday Game Discussion / Main - Out of Character ForumForum thread: In the pirate's hold
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http://zyanya.wikidot.com/forum/t-124571#post-371213Re: Courtesy of Samadhttp://zyanya.wikidot.com/forum/t-124571/courtesy-of-samad#post-371213
Fri, 30 Jan 2009 20:09:01 +0000Zyanya55194
Yes, especially don't forget that ;)